Puss in Boots Joins the Stage

In 1697, famed story-teller Charles Perrault told the tale of talking cat who wears boots and uses trickery and deceit to gain power, wealth and the hand of a princess in marriage for his penniless and low-born master, and if you're wondering why that doesn't sound like anything you've seen on the silver screens, it's because movie makers, like they often do, took it entirely out of its original context. Here to set things straight are director Brian Steward with the help of an experienced cast, accompanied by music composed and arranged by Bang Wenfu.

"We wanted to create a play that would tell the correct story of Puss in Boots, to counter the effects of the big screen versions which have almost destroyed the original story," says director Brian Seward.

"Although there are elements which we have added in or changed to make the story more appropriate for young children, we have tried our best to stay as true to the original as possible.

Closely following the original French folk tale, Puss in Boots, tells a most exciting, witty and fast-moving story, on the journey of a cat, with the help of magical boots, is able to talk and tries to help her master out of poverty.

This subsequently starts a chain of events that brings her and her master Rick into a wild adventure involving the King and his spoilt daughter, a pair of patriotic Ogres and a host of curious, crazy and comical characters.

Originating from Singapore, the cast of Puss in Boots have a range of on-stage experience ranging from 5 to 10 years. While some may assume a children's production may seem easier to manage, they admit despite having plenty of fun during the production of the show, performing for a younger audience can sometimes be a little overwhelming.

"Older audiences are polite and respectful, if they do not enjoy the play they usually just keep it to themselves. With kids, however, if they get bored, they usually become restless and start shouting and boo-ing you off stage!" shares Candice de Rozario, who takes on the cute and funny feline role of Puss.

A comedy musical suitable for the whole family, Puss in Boots features a cast of vibrant and comical characters with sing-alongs for the kids to enjoy and a little subtext to keep the grown-ups entertained, all in the same production of a clear and simple story of loyalty, friendship and honesty.

Those who have a fondness for good old-fashioned storytelling and a happy ending will definitely leave the theatre satisfied.

Puss in Boots will be staged in PJ Live Arts (PJLA) from now until June 22. Tickets are priced at RM60 and RM70 and can be purchased from the venue or online via www.tix.my